ViaSat’s team is leading the transformation in Link 16 MIDS technology by being the first to upgrade the design of many components of the terminal to provide greater flexibility, enhanced technology, decreased cost, and improved reliability. Embedded modules provide COMSEC and TACAN.

Through extensive use of reprogrammable components and a modular VME architecture, we’ve provided a lower cost design while also allowing for future requirements. The ViaSat terminal provides all operational modes of the Link 16 waveform, and implements all required Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) host interfaces for both U.S. and Coalition integration. ViaSat hardware implements Enhanced Throughput, a new capability that can increase coded data throughput from its current maximum of 115.2 kbps to over 800 kbps. Host interfaces and operational employment of enhanced throughput are still in the planning stages.

Together with Harris and European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), ViaSat is delivering a family of combat-proven, fully qualified, and EMC-Certified Link 16 MIDS terminals to U.S. forces and coalition partners under contracts to the Navy MIDS International Program Office (IPO) and other commercial customers.